For Detroit Tigers fans, the “enchanted season” refers to 1984, when the Tigers led wire-to-wire and won the World Series. Tomorrow, The Enchanted Season comes to life in book form thanks to Lance Parrish, a key player on that great team. Recently I had the opportunity to talk to Lance about his career and .The Enchanted Season
Born in Pennsylvania and raised in California, Parrish was drafted by the Detroit Tigers with the 16th pick in the first round of the 1974 MLB Amateur Draft. After one season each in the Rookie League, A and AA, Lance started the 1977 season in AAA Evansville, but finished in Detroit. In 1878, he split time with veteran Milt May, but by 1979, Lance cemented himself as the starting catcher.
From 1980-’86, Lance made the American League All-Star team six times. He took his place among the best catchers in baseball.
After signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1987, Lance had a couple substandard (for him) seasons, but still made the All-Star team in 1988.
The Phillies traded him to the California Angels after the 1988 season. He made one more All-Star team in 1990. From 1992 until his retirement, Lance moved around a bit, playing with the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays, with a couple short minor league stints in the mix.
All told, Lance played 1,988 games during his 19 seasons. He hit ,258 with 1,782 hits, 324 HRs, 1,070 RBIs and 856 R. He made eight All-Star teams, won three Gold Glove awards and six Silver Slugger awards and won the 1984 World Series. He is generally regarded as one of the top 25 catchers of all time.
In our interview, Lance discussed his career, including being drafted, playing with the iconic Mark “The Bird” Fidrych, catching a Jack Morris no-hitter and winning the World Series with the 1984 Tigers. That led us to discuss The Enchanted Season.
With co-author Tom Gage, Parrish takes the reader onto the field and into the clubhouse as the Tigers led the American League from start to finish. It’s filled with fascinating insight and previously unseen pictures. As the Tigers and their fans celebrate the 40th anniversary of their World Series win, Parrish delivers a new look into it all.
The Enchanted Season is available on Amazon now and will be available at book stores June 11. Early reviews are great and not just from Tigers fans. I already planned on buying The Enchanted Season, but after talking to Lance, I am even more excited about it. I’m just hoping his upcoming book-signing tour will include Chicago.
